South Florida doctor faces murder charge in pill mill case

Published: Friday, July 12, 2013 at 3:08 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 12, 2013 at 3:08 p.m.

WEST PALM BEACH — A South Florida doctor whose license was previously suspended is facing two counts of first-degree murder for the overdose deaths of two patients.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Friday that 61-year-old John Christensen illegally prescribed the two victims oxycodone and other drugs. Christensen operated medical offices in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and Daytona Beach.

A judge Friday ordered Christensen held without bail. His lawyer says Christensen should be presumed innocent.

Also charged in the case is a second physician, Stewart Fox. He is charged with conspiracy to traffic in oxycodone, unlawful prescriptions and other charges. Christensen also faces similar drug-related charges.

Authorities have been investigating the two doctors since January 2011. FDLE says agents reviewed 35 overdose deaths connected to Christensen's clinics.

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